If you are thinking about getting dental implants, it is natural for you to have questions about the road ahead. Be sure to bring up any points of concern when you attend your consultation. Your care team wants you to feel well-informed about your treatment, so they will be happy to speak with you. In the meantime, you can gain some valuable information by reading this blog post.
Will It Be Safe for Me to Drive Home?
Sedation is commonly used during dental implant surgery. Since its effects may linger for several hours after your appointment, it will not be safe for you to drive yourself home. You should arrange for a trustworthy adult to give you a ride.
How Much Bleeding and Swelling Should I Expect?
Swelling and intermittent bleeding are normal. The bleeding may last for up to 72 hours. You can manage it by gently biting on clean gauze. Swelling may last for several days, but it should start to subside within the first week or so after your surgery.
Is the Post-Op Period Painful?
Most people are pleasantly surprised by how easy the dental implant process is, including the post-op recovery period. With that being said, it must be acknowledged that some discomfort is to be expected. You can minimize this issue by taking pain medications, getting plenty of rest, and following other instructions from your care team.
What Can I Eat After My Surgery?
At first, you should stick to a no-chew diet, which may include things like pudding, broth, applesauce, and protein drinks. When you feel up to it, you can start consuming fork-tender foods, including items like scrambled eggs, meatloaf, pasta, and cooked veggies. Once the soft tissue at your surgical site heals, it may be safe for you to resume a fairly normal diet. (Just continue to be careful with hard, crunchy, and chewy foods, especially if you do not have many natural teeth left.)
When Can I Resume My Normal Activities?
Most patients are able to return to work within a day or two of their surgery. However, you might need to take a few additional days off if your job involves a lot of physical activity; it is important that you get enough rest during the initial part of your post-op period. Be patient and listen to your body so you do not overexert yourself and slow down your healing process.
When Should I Call My Dentist?
You can call your dentist about any concerns that come up during your recovery period. Here are some indications that you might need additional care:
- You are experiencing severe pain or swelling.
- There is a lot of pus around your implant.
- You have other signs of infection, such as a high fever.
- Your dental implant feels loose.
Do you have other questions about what happens after dental implant surgery? Talk to your dentist so they can help you have realistic expectations for the journey that awaits you.
Meet the Practice
At Vero Beach Dental Implants, our team works under the leadership of Drs. Bruce McDonald and Josh Heimerdinger. We are proud to offer comprehensive dental implant services in a modern, welcoming environment. We even have an in-house laboratory where we make our own dental implants! To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact our office at 772-205-6003.